Italian Heritage Month 2025 Kickoff October 6, 2025
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
The official opening of a month-long celebration of the Italian-American Community in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio was held on Monday October 6, 2025 in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. The annual event has taken place every year since then-Councilman Matt Zone created it with the full support of then-Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in 2006.
The evening began with Master of Ceremonies Dennis Castiglione welcoming the packed crowd and offering an invocation.
Dennis Castiglione
He introduced Tina Silvaggio who led the Italian National Anthem.
Tina Silvaggio
Then the group Wild Pitch led the US national anthem.
Wild Pitch leads the National Anthem
Welcoming remarks were given by Cleveland Council President Blaine A. Griffin and Councilman Michael D. Polensek.
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin
Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek
Pamela Dorazio Dean, Chair of the Italian American Heritage Committee, gave her remarks and introduced the committee members and sponsors.
Pamela Dorazio Dean
Watch a video of the above.
Dennis Castiglione introduced Basil M. Russo who is National President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. These are his remarks about Columbus Day and more.
Basil M. Russo
Pamela Dorazio Dean then introduced and presented the awards to the honorees
Anthony J. Constantine, CPA, for the Arts and Culture Award
Pamela Dorazio Dean introduces Anthony J. Constantine
Anthony J. Constantine
Mike Polensek, Anthony J. Constantine, Basil Russo, Blaine Griffin
Joseph Sidari, Sidari's Italian Foods for the Corporate Award.
Joseph Sidari
Joseph Sidari
Mike Polensek, Joseph Sidari, Basil Russo, Blaine Griffin and Kevin Conwell
Matteo Silvaggio, Little Italy Wines for the Small Business Award.
Matteo Silvaggio
Mike Polensek, Matteo Silvaggio, Basil Russo and Blaine Griffin
Phil Bova for the Individual Award.
Phil Bova
Mike Polensek, Phil Bova, Basil Russo, Blaine Griffin
Mayor Matthew J. Castelli for the Public Servant Award.
Mayor Matthew J. Castelli
Mike Polensek, Mayor Matthew J. Castelli, Basil Russo, Blaine Griffin
MC Dennis Castiglione gave some final remarks before everyone enjoyed an Italian meal catered by Nido Italia courtesy of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. Watch a video of the awards.
Enjoy these other images from the Italian Heritage Month 2025 kickoff.
Mike Polensek, Basil Russo and Matt Zone
Joe Marinucci and Jim Craciun
Cleveland Community Relations Director Angela Woodson
Honoree Joseph Sidari and family members
Honoree Phil Bova and family members and friends
Honoree Matthew Castelli family and friends
Pouring the wine!
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